Monday, March 2, 2009

Time flies!

I can't believe that it's already been almost 2 weeks since my last update. Does anyone remember February?

Other than lack of energy and a bit of a chest cold, I definitely can't complain about how I'm feeling. I wouldn't complain anyways even if I wasn't feeling well. What good would that bring me?

Something really cool happened last week. I was given the opportunity to participate in the annual Calgary Flames Charity Poker tournament. I got to sit beside Todd Bertuzzi and chat with him a little bit. What an honour. I've attached some pictures to my blog regarding this.

I'm in tomorrow for a blood check and meeting with one of my awesome doctors. I've got my first MRI since November, 2008 when we saw the significant change in growth. Would love to say that I'm going to see the tumour shrink significantly but this is mainly going to be used as the basis for future reference. Tash and I will meet with the doctors on Tuesday, March 10th to review the MRI and will be extremely nervous. To have your future potentially hanging on the results from this upcoming MRI is an understatement.

Let's stop and think about that for a moment. How many people are diagnosed daily with life threatening disease, in car accidents where they don't live through them, etc.? A LOT! Who am I to complain about the situation that I am in when there are so many other people out there that are in a far worse situation? I'm not saying that what I'm going through is a walk in the park. All I'm saying is that when we are given challenges (part of our "life contract"), would it be better for us to be negative and complain about the situation or try our best to look on the "bright side" that there's a very good potential that there are others out there in a potentially far worse situation. If we had no choice other than "pick the challenge", which would you take?

I've got my 3rd round of Avastin tomorrow afternoon. Now that my system is getting better at absorbing it, it is taking less time for them to inject it. Only takes about an hour now.

I've also attached a report from the US regarding a man who has been dealing with a Grade 4 very aggressive brain tumour who is using the Avastin for his treatment. HUGE INCENTIVE FOR ME!!! All of my energy will go into the potential success that using this will help me. Is the glass half full or half empty?

1 comment:

Dear Ryan,You are never very far from our thoughts. We drop in on your blog site every day to follow your progress.

Today we are amazed to hear you say that "Time Flies!" More often than not, even the minutes drag whenever there is an element of "waiting" for tests, treatments and results.

The Calgary Flames Charity Poker Tournament seems to have been both an honour and a diversion for you, Ryan. The celebrity pictures are impressive.

For now, we are focussing our energies on tomorrow's blood check, your third round of Avastin and your scheduled meeting with the doctor. One week from tomorrow we'll be sharing your apprehension as you and Tasha go over the results of your latest MRI and plan your future course of action.

Wherever we go in the world, David and I make a point of remembering you in the devotional recesses of stately churches and in the quiet corners of dark, stone chapels. We always leave candles of hope burning for you, Tasha and Tricia.

Like you, we know that many other people face life-threatening situations in their day-to-day lives. However, a personal connection to you makes us keenly aware of your particular circumstances, your awesome attitude and your remarkable courage.

From afar, we will continue to support your efforts to see the glass as "half full" until it spills over with renewed health and long life.